<p data-path-to-node="5">Highlighting the steady progression of India’s flagship port-led development initiative, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="157">Sarbananda Sonowal</b> informed Parliament that <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="201">79 infrastructure projects</b> funded under the central <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="253">Sagarmala Scheme</b> have been completed, with an additional <b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="310">54 projects</b> actively under implementation across coastal states and Union Territories.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">In a written response to the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry detailed that the Sagarmala Scheme continues to provide targeted financial assistance across its core pillars including port modernization, port connectivity, port-led industrialization, coastal community development, and coastal shipping and inland water transport.</p><h3 data-path-to-node="8"><b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="0">Multimodal Connectivity and One Nation One Port Framework Drive Maritime Efficiency</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="9">The Minister outlined key milestone metrics and strategic frameworks driving the maritime sector's transformation:</p><ul data-path-to-node="10"><li><p data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Targeted Financial Assistance:</b> Under the Sagarmala Scheme, partial financial support is extended to state governments, maritime boards, and major ports to bridge critical infrastructure gaps, accelerate coastal berth construction, and build modern fishing harbors.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Rail and Road Port-Connectivity Pipeline:</b> The Ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), has identified <b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="180">294 rail and road connectivity projects</b>. To date, <b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="230">84 connectivity projects</b> (63 rail and 21 road) have been completed, with 66 additional projects under active construction to streamline hinterland freight evacuation.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">One Nation One Port Process (ONOP):</b> To boost operational efficiency and eliminate bureaucratic friction, the Ministry has rolled out the 'One Nation One Port Process' initiative, aimed at standardizing digital processes, integrating port operations, and creating a unified maritime logistics ecosystem.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="10,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Green Port Initiatives &amp; Decarbonization:</b> Aligned with the 'Harit Sagar' Green Port Guidelines, major ports are deploying electric/hybrid tugs under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), expanding shore-to-ship power, and electrifying port equipment and internal railway tracks.</p></li></ul>